South korea qualify for world cup

SEOUL: North Korea will play a World Cup qualifier against South Korea in Pyongyang in October, putting aside political tensions to host their first men’s competitive game against their arch-rivals, officials said on Friday. North Korea, who reached the World Cup in 1966 and 2010, have applied to play the game at the 50,000-capacity Kim Il Sung Stadium on Oct 15, the South’s Korean Football Association said. There was no immediate confirmation from the Asian Football Confederation. The development should ease concerns over the fixture, which comes at a time of renewed tensions between the two Koreas following a series of missile tests by the North. South Korea haven’t played in North Korea, with whom they are technically still at war, in nearly 30 years since a pro-unification friendly in 1990. The South, whose players include English Premier League star Son Heung-min, will be favourites for the game after qualifying 10 times for the World Cup and reaching the … [Read more...] about North Korea to host South for World Cup qualifier in October

Singapore have been placed in a tough group for the second round of the World Cup 2022 qualifiers. The Lions are in Group D - along with Yemen, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan - after yesterday's draw at the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. National coach Tatsuma Yoshida, who was at the draw, said: "We have got a tough group, in particular being drawn against Uzbekistan, who are one of the strongest teams from Pot 2. "It's a big challenge for us, but it's one we are looking forward to and we hope to have Singapore fans join us on this journey." Ranked 162nd in the world, the Lions have their work cut out for them and captain Hariss Harun is well aware of it. Said the 28-year-old: "It is a tough group with Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan who have a lot of experience, as they normally play in the final round of qualifiers. "But, we're looking forward to the experience and journey. "They are demanding physically and very powerful teams. I … [Read more...] about Singapore in tough group for World Cup qualifiers

Jordan Clarkson doubtful for World Cup Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star) - June 11, 2019 - 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — It’s not likely that the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson will play for Gilas in the FIBA World Cup in China on Aug. 31-Sept. 15 as his status as a Filipino citizen is recognized not on the basis of heritage but of naturalization by the governing federation. Under FIBA rules, a national team may enlist only one naturalized player. In the Philippines’ case, the choice is Andray Blatche. SBP attempted to classify Clarkson as a local because of his Filipino lineage but since he was issued his Philippine passport after turning 16, FIBA insisted his recognition is as a naturalized player. FIBA National Federations and Sport Director Zoran Radovic of Serbia has repeatedly told SBP executive director Sonny Barrios that Clarkson’s classification is final. However, the … [Read more...] about Jordan Clarkson doubtful for World Cup

Sport South Korea are hopeful of qualifying for the knockout stages of the women's World Cup in France next month despite being placed in a tough group, midfielder Ji So-yun has said. 22 May 2019 04:21PM Bookmark REUTERS: South Korea are hopeful of qualifying for the knockout stages of the women's World Cup in France next month despite being placed in a tough group, midfielder Ji So-yun has said.The Asian nation is set for its third appearance at the quadrennial event but has never gone beyond the last-16 and is pitted against higher-ranked teams in hosts France and Norway in Group A.Hosts France are ranked fourth in the world, 10 places above Korea, while Norway are 12th but without Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg, who has refused to play for the national team.Nigeria, ranked 38th, are the fourth team in the group."Our first goal is to reach the second round," Ji said in an interview on world soccer governing body FIFA's website … [Read more...] about South Korea’s Ji targets women’s World Cup knockout stages

REUTERS: The United States may be favourites to retain their Women's World Cup title but the rapid development of the game globally means they will face a tougher field than ever before when the tournament gets underway in France on June 7.Hundreds of thousands of tickets have been sold and world governing body FIFA is banking on the women's game taking a huge step forward on the back of a successful tournament.The eighth edition of the Women's World Cup will be contested by 24 teams in nine cities across France, with the hosts facing South Korea in the opening game at the Parc des Princes in Paris.The top two in each of the six qualifying groups will advance to the knockout stages, where they will be joined by the four best third-placed teams.The semi-finals and final will be staged in Lyon, home to powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais, historically the most successful club in women's football in France, with the final slated for July 7.With a passionate home crowd behind them and a strong … [Read more...] about US favourites in toughest-ever Women’s World Cup field